Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine with little tannin, plenty of freshness and aromas of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and forest floor. It originally comes from Burgundy and pairs with duck, chicken, mushrooms and salmon. Serve it at 14 to 16 degrees.
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Pinot Noir is the grape for anyone looking for elegance rather than power. For beginners it is a gentle introduction to red wine. For connoisseurs it is an endless field of study.
Young
Red fruit such as cherry, raspberry and strawberry, with a fresh, juicy finish.
With age
Earthy notes of forest floor, mushroom and sometimes a hint of smoke or leather.
Oak-aged
A subtle touch of vanilla or clove, never a heavy blanket of oak.
Compared with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir feels lighter. You can read more about those other grapes at red grape varieties.
Why is Pinot Noir difficult to grow?
The grape ripens early, is sensitive to frost and mildew and needs cool climates. Small differences in soil and weather produce noticeably different wines. That is why good Pinot Noir is often more expensive.
The most important regions
Burgundy
Elegant and earthy. The benchmark for Pinot Noir.
Germany
Spätburgunder: refined, fresh, with red fruit.
Alsace
Fruity and approachable.
Oregon
Smooth, fruity and earthy.
Central Otago
Intense and fruit-driven, from New Zealand.
California
Sonoma and Russian River: riper, softer and full.
Chile
Fruity and often affordable.
In Burgundy everything revolves around origin: regional wine, village wine, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. Each wine comes from a single grape, so you taste the soil. How labels work is explained at reading a wine label.
Duck, chicken, turkey and pheasant.
Mushrooms, truffle and risotto.
Salmon and tuna.
Charcuterie and cheeses such as Gruyère or Comté.
Roast pork.
Lightly chilled
Serve Pinot Noir at 14 to 16 degrees, in a large glass. It is also one of the three grapes in champagne.
You can read more about the shape of the glass at wine glasses.
Four styles
Discover Pinot Noir
The region and the tasting note differ more than the grape name.
Pinot NoirDavid Finlayson Pinot Noir 2023
Pinot noir · Stellenbosch
Another region, to taste the difference.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinot Noir a dry wine?
Yes. Pinot Noir is almost always dry. The wine feels light and fresh because of its acidity and low tannin.
What is the difference between Pinot Noir and Merlot?
Pinot Noir is lighter, fresher and earthier, with little tannin. Merlot is softer, fuller and fruitier, with a rounder finish.
Why is Pinot Noir more expensive?
The grape is difficult to grow and gives small yields. Good Pinot Noir from Burgundy is also limited in supply.
Keep exploring the winewise guide
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